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August 2004
From: Merck
/ Schering-Plough
Pharmaceuticals
Dear
Pharmaceutical Purchaser:
Merck/Schering-Plough
Pharmaceuticals (MSP) is pleased to introduce VYTORIN
(ezetimibe/simvastatin) Tablets, the first and only product that
inhibits both cholesterol production and intestinal absorption.
VYTORIN contains both the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
simvastatin and the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe.
Merck/Schering-Plough
Pharmaceuticals is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc.,
and Schering-Plough Corporation that develops and markets
prescription cholesterol-management medicines in the United States.
In a
multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week study of 1,528
patients with hypercholesterolemia, VYTORIN lowered LDL-C by 52% at
the recommended starting dose (10/20 mg) and 60% at the maximum dose
(10/80 mg).
VYTORIN is
also indicated for the reduction of elevated TOTAL-C and LDL_C in
patients with primary (heterozygous familial and nonfamilial)
hypercholesterolemia or mixed hyperlipidemia when diet alone is not enough.
VYTORIN is
also indicated for the reduction of elevated TOTAL-C and LDL-C in
patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, as an adjunct
to to other lipid-lowering treatments (eg, LDL apheresis), or if such
treatments are unavailable.
VYTORIN is
available in 4 dosage strengths, each containing 10 mg of ezetimibe
and 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg of simvastin. VYTORIN should be
taken as a single dose in the evening with or without food.
VYTORIN is
contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of
this medication; active liver disease; unexplained persistent
elevations of serum transaminases; women who are of child-bearing age
(unless highly unlikely to conceive), nursing, or pregnant.
To place an
order, please contact your wholesaler. If you have any questions,
please contact the Merck Pharmacy/Wholesaler National Account
Executive or Schering-Plough Trade Director who is responsible for
your account. For any additional questions, please contact the MSP
National Service Center at 1-866-637-2501.
Enclosed is
the press release announcing the approval of VYTORIN.
Before
Dispensing VYTORIN, please read the enclosed Prescribing Information.
Sincerely,
Adam H. Schnechter
Vice President
and General Manager
Merck/Schering-Plough
Pharmaceuticals |
